For the national airline of Saudi Arabia, business out of Houston has always been good. So good, in fact, that this month the carrier will add a second frequency to their weekly operation out of Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Beginning August 15th, Saudi Arabian Airlines will operate two weekly flights between Houston and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia utilizing a B747-200 freighter aircraft. “We are all very thrilled with this new operation,” said Michel Zreik, manager of sales and marketing in the western United States for Saudi Arabian Airlines.

Saudi Arabian Airlines will now operate two weekly flights from IAH.

“Since starting our first freighter service at IAH in April of 2004, we’ve noticed a constant increase of our loads to Saudi Arabia and to destinations beyond: Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf area.”

Between 2004 and 2005 air cargo traffic out of Houston – Saudi Arabia’s seventh-largest trading partner – increased by 43.73 percent for the carrier, Zreik said.

Saudi Arabian Airlines exports mostly oil & gas industry-related goods out of IAH; but they also move machinery parts, construction materials, engines, computers and other miscellaneous items.

“This new frequency will add another level of capacity to our already expansive international capabilities,” said Richard M. Vacar, director of the Houston Airport System.

The Houston Airport System moves cargo to and from the energy capital of the world from all over the globe. Last year, more than 347,000 metric tons of air cargo moved through Houston’s airports.

“The market is growing,” Zreik said.

Saudi Arabia is Houston’s top air cargo trade partner by weight. In 2004, air cargo trade between Saudi Arabia and Houston reached more than $189 million.

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